John Dolben
John Dolben (1625-1686) was an English priest and bishop who rose to become Archbishop of York. A Royalist during the English Civil War, he later held significant positions within the Church of England, including Dean of Westminster and Bishop of Rochester, before his final appointment as Archbishop. He is noted for reforming cathedral discipline and for his eloquence, as recognized by John Dryden.
Key Facts
- ›Fought on the Royalist side at the Battle of Marston Moor and in the defence of York, being wounded twice.
- ›Served as Dean of Westminster from 1662 to 1683.
- ›Appointed Bishop of Rochester in 1666 and Lord High Almoner in 1675.
- ›Became Archbishop of York in 1683.
- ›Distinguished himself by reforming the discipline of cathedrals in his dioceses.
- ›Died in 1686 from smallpox contracted after contact with a victim.
- Reforming the Discipline of Cathedrals In His Dioceses.
About John Dolben
John Dolben (1625-1686)
John Dolben was an English priest and bishop who served as the Archbishop of York from 1683 until his death in 1686. His life spanned a turbulent period in English history, including the English Civil War and the Restoration.
Early Life and Civil War Service
Born in 1625, Dolben was educated at Westminster School and Christ Church, Oxford. He actively supported the Royalist cause during the English Civil War, fighting at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644 and participating in the defence of York, where he was wounded on two occasions. Following the Royalist defeat, he resumed his studies and, after taking orders, privately maintained the proscribed Anglican service during the interregnum.
Episcopal Career
At the Restoration, Dolben's career advanced rapidly, likely with the influence of Archbishop Gilbert Sheldon. He became a canon of Christ Church in 1660 and a prebendary of St Paul's in 1661. He served as Dean of Westminster from 1662 to 1683, where he opposed attempts to place the abbey under diocesan rule. His personal qualities, described as charm, eloquence, generosity, and frankness, contributed to his popularity. He was appointed Clerk of the Closet (1664-1668) and became Bishop of Rochester in 1666. Despite a temporary period of disgrace following the fall of the Earl of Clarendon, he was restored to favour and later appointed Lord High Almoner in 1675.
Archbishop of York and Legacy
In 1683, Dolben was elevated to the position of Archbishop of York. In this role, he is noted for reforming the discipline of the cathedrals within his dioceses. He was also the first president of the Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy upon its royal charter in 1678. John Dolben died in 1686 from smallpox. His final months were reportedly troubled by King James II's attempts to re-establish Roman Catholicism. His eloquence was recognized in literature, notably by John Dryden in his poem "Absalom and Achitophel."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was John Dolben's role in the English Civil War?
John Dolben fought on the Royalist side during the English Civil War. He participated in the Battle of Marston Moor and the defence of York, where he was wounded twice.
What significant positions did John Dolben hold before becoming Archbishop of York?
Before becoming Archbishop of York, John Dolben held several important positions within the Church of England. He served as Dean of Westminster from 1662 to 1683, was made Bishop of Rochester in 1666, and was appointed Lord High Almoner in 1675.
What were John Dolben's contributions as Archbishop of York?
As Archbishop of York, John Dolben distinguished himself by reforming the discipline of the cathedrals within his diocese. His eloquence was also noted by contemporaries, including the poet John Dryden.
How did John Dolben die?
John Dolben died in 1686 from smallpox. He contracted the infection after coming into contact with a victim while returning to York from London at Easter.
What was John Dolben's family life like?
John Dolben married Catherine Sheldon and had two sons, Gilbert and John, and a daughter named Catherine who died in infancy. His son John's profligate behaviour and gambling troubles reportedly caused the Archbishop significant distress in his final years.
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